Zirconium
Companies
Key Companies in the Zirconium Value Chain
The Zirconium industry encompasses at least 6 major companies from junior explorers and mine developers to integrated producers and downstream processors. With annual production of 1.4 million tonnes (zircon sand) and prices around $1,800 per tonne, the Zirconium market supports a diverse corporate ecosystem.
Annual Production
1.4 million
tonnes (zircon sand)
Market Price
$1,800
per tonne
Top Producer
Australia
37% share
Companies Tracked
6
Major Producers and Processors
The following companies are key participants in the Zirconium supply chain:
Iluka Resources
Worlds largest zircon producer; operates mineral sands mines in Australia (Jacinth-Ambrosia, Eneabba) and Sierra Rutile in Sierra Leone; also holds Australias rare earth refinery project
Tronox Holdings
Major mineral sands producer (zircon and titanium); operates mines in South Africa, Australia, and Brazil
Rio Tinto (Richards Bay Minerals)
Operates Richards Bay Minerals in KwaZulu-Natal, one of the worlds largest mineral sands operations producing zircon and titanium minerals
Kenmare Resources
Operates the Moma mine in Mozambique, a major mineral sands operation producing zircon, ilmenite, and rutile
Westinghouse Electric
Major manufacturer of nuclear fuel assemblies using hafnium-free Zircaloy cladding tubes
Framatome (Orano)
Major nuclear fuel manufacturer using zirconium alloy cladding; also produces hafnium as a separation byproduct
Active Operations and Development Projects
These are the key Zirconium operations and development-stage projects associated with the companies above:
Jacinth-Ambrosia
Iluka Resources
Worlds largest zircon-producing mineral sands operation in South Australias Eucla Basin
Eneabba
Iluka Resources
Western Australian mineral sands operation; also site of planned Australian Strategic Materials rare earth processing facility funded by government
Balranald
Iluka Resources
Large mineral sands deposit in NSW using innovative underground mining technique to minimize surface disturbance
Corporate Strategy Trends
Major consumers of Zirconium across the nuclear reactor fuel rod cladding and ceramic and refractory materials sectors are increasingly focused on securing long-term supply agreements, investing in supply chain traceability, and supporting new production sources to reduce exposure to the 37% concentration in Australia.
More on Zirconium
Explore other aspects of the Zirconium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Explore uses & applications for Zirconium.
Supply Chain
Explore supply chain for Zirconium.
Mining & Processing
Explore mining & processing for Zirconium.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore refining & grade specs for Zirconium.
Recycling
Explore recycling for Zirconium.
Substitutes
Explore substitutes for Zirconium.
Return to the Zirconium hub page or browse the full Mineral Library.